Pressing iron



ug 9 '966 .,s. L.. vlEcELl 3,264,74

' PRESSING IRON Filed May 14, 1963 5 Sheets-Sheet l l; 2 Mil@ i y A J. L. VIECELI Aug. 9, 1966 PRESS ING IRON :3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 14, 196s ya@ f J. L. VlECELl Aug, 9, 1966 PREssING IRON 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 14, 196s INVENTOR,

M l @y United States Patent O 3,264,764 PRESSING IRN Joseph L. Vieceli, La Grange, Ill., assigner to Sunbeam Corporation, Chicago, lil., a corporation of Illinois Filed May 14, 1963, Ser. No. 280,770 7 Claims. (Cl. 38-77) The present invention relates generally to pressing irons and more particularly to pressing irons capable of selectively operating as a steam iron, a dry iron or an iron from which water may be sprinkled onto the material being ironed. Specifically, the present invention is an improvement on copending l epson 'and Vieceli application, Serial No. 203,500, tiled lune 19, 1962, and assigned to the same assignee as the present application.

The steam iron has been extensively used for ironing purposes for many years, primarily because more satisfactory ironing of many fabrics is obtained by utilizing ra steam iron rather than the conventional dry iron. As a matter of fact, many fabrics can be smoothed effectively only upon the application of heat when moisture is contained in the fabric. Long before the steam iron became almost a household necessity, atirons or pressing irons were provided with means for sprinkling or spraying the clothes. In the above-entitled copending application, there is disclosed and claimed a steam iron wherein a separate flash-type steam generator is provided for powering the spray, which has proved to be very satisfactory. lt will be appreciated that a pressing iron of the type disclosed in the above-mentioned application requiring two separate steam generating chambers, one for producing the steam for discharge at the ironing surface of the sole plate, and the other for producing steam for powering the spray, although resulting in a very satisfactory steam and spray iron, obviously involves a more expensive construction than where only one steam generating chamber is required. There are applications wherein -a very ne spray powered -by -a flash-type steam generator whereby no drops of liquid will reach the goods to be ironed is not essential. For such applications la somewhat less expensive pressing iron wherein a water spray is provided for sprinkling articles to be ironed may be satisfactory. A spray may be very practical to dampen l-arge pieces, such as table linens, organdy curtains or spreads, heavily starched wearing apparel, .and the like.

Steam irons with means for spraying water therefrom wherein it is unnecessary to generate steam in order to produce the spray have |been provided. Unfortunately, such irons have been unsatisfactory in many respects, primarily lbecause the spray results in water droplets Vreaching the fabrics, which, with many of the synthetic fabrics, results in spotting.l Today, a pressing iron, to be satisfactory, -must lbe capable of ironing not only the time-honored fabrics such as wool, cotton and linen, but also fabrics made from synthetic bers, such as acetate, acrylic, modified protein, polyester and polyamides. .It would 'be desirable to provide a new and improved spray iron wherein no steam is required to initiate the spray and yet wherein the spray is such as to insure the desired spray while avoiding water droplets reaching the fabrics with possible resultant spotting.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a ste-am iron having new and improved means for spraying water therefrom.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a steam iron with improved pump means for powering the spray.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved spray for a steam iron which is capable of producing a fine spnay thereby insuring that water droplets which could spot some fabrics will not be produced.

3,264,704 Patented August 9, 1966 Still another object of the present invention resides in the provision of an improved pressing iron with simple means for providing `a water spray forwardly of the sole plate of the iron, which is simple to manufacture, easy to yassemble and which will give long years of satisfactory service.

Further objects 'and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds and the features yof novelty which characterize the invention can be pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification.

For a ibetter understanding of the present invention reference may be had to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. l is a front elevational view of a pressing iron embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top fragmentary view of a portion of the pressing iron of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the pressing iron of FIG. l with certain portions cut away more clearly to illustrate the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged elevational view of the spray portion of the pressing iron `of the present invention with the pump portion thereof and the spray portion thereof shown in section;

FIG. 5 is a greatly enlarged sectional view taken on line 5 5 of FIG. 4, assuming that FIG. 4 shows the complete structure;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken on line '7-7 of FIG. 6.

Briefly, the present invention is concerned with a pressing iron which will function `both as a steam and a dry iron and which also functions as a spray iron when desired. The spray is powered by a very simple pump which may be associated with thesteam iron in a manner adding little expense and assembly time. An improved spray means is provided which insures -a very tine spray free `of water droplets which might spot some Iof the synthetic fabrics. The pump can readily be replaced where this is necessary. Preferably a single water reservoir is provided which supplies the Water for the spray as well as the water for the generation of steam to be supplied at the ironing surface of the sole plate.

Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated a pressing iron 10 which is essentially very similar to the pressing iron disclosed in the above-mentioned copending Jepson and Vieceli application, which in turn is in many respects quite similar to that disclosed and claimed in Jepson et al. Patent 2,906,043, granted September 29, 1959, and assigned to the same assignee as the instant application. Consequently, the description of the pressing iron of the present invention insofar as the features which are essentially the same as that disclosed in the above-mentioned patent, will be rather briefly described and for a more detailed description, reference may be had to the above-mentioned patent.

The pressing iron 10 comprises a sole plate 11 preferably constructed of cast metal, such as aluminum. The sole piate 11 is heated in a conventional manner by an electric heating element 12 of the sheathed type (FIG. 3). Sheathed heating elements ane well known and generaily comprise a helical resistance ,conductor centrally disposed within an outer metallic sheath and supported in spaced relationship in reference to the sheath by an electrical insulating material which is also a good heat conductor, such as highly compressed magnesium oxide. As is clearly shown i-n the above-mentioned Jepson et al. patent, the sheathed heating element 12 is preferably of U-shaped configuration or, in other words, is inthe shape of a hairpin, and to accommodate this heating element the sole plate 11 is provided with a raised integral U-shaped rib 11a in which the sheathed heating element is embedded.

ItiWiltl be 4understood that the sheathed heating element 12.

is provided with suitable terminals which are electrically connected in a circuit including a switch `controlled by a. temperature responsive device for controlling the kheating of the sole plate 11 in any desired selectedY manner.

As in the above-mentioned Jepson et al. patent, there is provided a steam generating chamber y14 (FIG-3) which operates to produce steam on the ilash principlle for suppilying the desired steam beneath the sole plate whenthe., The steam generatingr 299,750, filed August 5, 1963, and assignedto the samer assignee as the instant application. The particular construetionof the steam generating chamber 14 .and thel steam flow therein, starting with a suppptly of Water thereto and the conversion of this water to dry steam, forms no part of the present invention and may be identical with that disclosed in the above-mentioned Jepson et al. patent or thatof the copending Vieceli and Walczak application referred to above. Suffice it to say that the top of the steamgenerating chamber 14 is defined by a suitable cover 16, ppeferably like that in the above-mentioned Jepson et al. patent which is secured to the sole plate Vin sealing relationship therewith by suitable screws or fastening means 17. A plurality of steam discharge openings 18 t through the sole plate 11 vpermit the steam generated in the steam generator 14 to reach theunderside of the sole plate 11 and be distributed over a substantial area of the ironing surface of the pressing iron 10. The sole plate 11 is illustrated as being provided with a plurality of elongate-d grooves 19 which may be identical with those disclosed in FIG. 7 of the above-.mentioned Jepson et: al. Patent 2,906,043.

For support purposes and to supply Water into the steam generating chamber 14, there is provided a v-alve .body member 20 which is suitably secured to the steam generating chamber cover 16. The. valve body member 20 is a portion of a water control valve for supplying water to the steam generating chamber 14. As in the aforementioned Jepson et al. patent, the valve body 20 functions not only as `a water control valve but also holds the cover 16 in assembled relationship and suitably supports a water reservoir 21 in a predetermined relationship with respect to the valve body 20. For a detailed description of this valve body and various functions thereof, :reference should be had tothe above-mentioned Jepson et al. patent. When the water reservoir 2,1 is assembled to the sole plate 11, the valve body 20 defines a passageway for water to ow from the water reservoir to a steam generating chamber s 14. The valve body 20 supports suitable means 22i for defining a metering orifice .which may be opened or closed by selectively raising andv lowering a needle valve element 23.

From the above description, it will be apparent that water under` the force of gravity enters the steam'generating chamber 14 near the forward portion thereof immediately beneath the needle valve element 23.- This water, which is quickly dashed into steam, byvirtue of the high temperature of the Walls dening this steam generator 14, moves rearwardly through labyrinth passageways and then forwardly along the inside Wallsk of :the U-shaped rib 11a until convertedto dry steam which eventually reaches the discharge ports 18 and passes to the grooves such as 19 on the underside of the sole plate 11.

For the purpose of selectively controlling the temperature of the sole plate 11, there is preferably provided a thermoresponsive control device which may be indentical with that disclosed in thefabove-mentioned Jepson et al. patent. 'Ihis temperature responsive control device'com- 4 prises the conventional bimetallic. velement for kcontrolling a suitablev switch connected in they electrical circuit supplying. energy to the sheathed electriccheating element 12.v This switch will be opened and closed in dependence upon the ,temperature of the sole plate 11',` and, of course, in dependence upon the: setting -to which the .thermore sponsive cont-rol device ,is selectively adjusted. This temperature responsivev control devicev is preferably mounted beneath the water reservoir r21 toward the rear thereof and between the legs of the U-shaped rib 11a.

The yonly portion of the .temperaturey responsive control device visible in `the kdrawingsis the-end of a pivotally supported lever-26i `(FIG. 3) which may beidentical with a corresponding leverdisclosed in:the above-men-w ,tioned Jepson et al. patent, the; positionzoffwhich deter# mines the position of the stationary contact. of the switching mechanism ,(nott shown) :for determiningthe particular heat setting of the .pressing iron 10. Since the portion of the temperature responsive device .connected to the lever.;36 is substantially identical withthe similar portion shown in'FIG. 4 of the above-mentioned Jepson et a1. patent, no further discussion thereof is included herewith and reference ,shouldtbe had to the'above-mentioned Jepson et al. patent for a detailed description t thereof. To permit free movement of the vlever 36,y the bottomof reservoir 21 may ,be provided with'an elongated indentation..

To provide: a more pleasing appearance for the .press--V ing iron.10,-insofar, as` the top of thessole plate and the part supported thereonis concerned, including the .tem-

perature responsive controlmeans andthe water reservoir,

there is provided -a coverl shell 28= iwhich is preferably very similar to that disclosed` in the` above-mentioned Jepson et al. patent. This cover shell'-28 yis provided vwith a suitable opening to provide access to ythe ,water reservoir 2l 'in a manner substantiallyl identical with that disclosed in the above-mentionedJepson et al. patent. The cover shell 28`iis suitably secured tothe pressing iron 10 in the manner disclosed in -the above-mentioned Jepson et al. patent.

a base or skirt portion 30a@ of somewhat the same con-v figuration as theiupper surface of the ,cover shell `28.l The handle further. comprises a pair of somewhat vertical,

posts 30b`and30c interconnected at the top by a hand grip portiontldf.v The entire handletis preferably molded of` a one-piece construction; As in the above-mentioned Jepson Yand Vieceli copending application, Serial No.

203,500, the front post 30b denes two more or less y vertically extending chambers: 31 and 32 separated by a wall portion 30e.`

The passageway or chamber 31V accommodates yan elon-y gated temperature controlrod- 33' which maybe identical; with a similar controlk rod.disclo'sed in theabove-merb.

tionedJepson et, al. patent, the lower end'ofwhich rod is connected to one :end of the leverl 26iand the upper end of which terminates in a selectivelyV adjustable cam` follower 34.: This control rod 33 ,passes through a pas-y sageway defined in reservoir 21 by a tube-35 which may be identical with a similar tube describediin the abovementioned patent. The rtop of the chambers 31 and 32 are defined ,by shelf-likevmember 30j integrally jmolded with the handle 30, land this shelf-like member 30j is provided,

with a plurality of "openings 36; 37 and 38 extending therethrough.: The opening 36 permits'the elongated upwardly. extending portion of the needle valve element 23,

t0 extend therethrough while the opening 38 permits the adjustable cam follower, S14-of the .control rod.33 to ex- As .in fthe above-mentioned cepend-l ing Jepson and Nieceli application, Serial No. 203,500,r

tend above shelf 301i. The opening 37 is provided to accommodate the plunger portion of a suitable pump generally designated at 39 and described in detail herein-after.

It-will be understood that the lower portion of the chamber 32 leads to an opening 40 in the water reservoir 21 which opening is also aligned with the corresponding opening in the cover shell 28. A suitable sealing gasket 41, preferably formed of silicone rubber, makes sealing engagement with the handle 30, the water reservoir 21 and the cover shell 28, whereby water supplied to the chamber 32 must enter the opening 40 in the Water reservoir 21.

The pressing iron of the present invention is provided with simple means for lilling the reservoir 2l comprising a filling opening 42 located at the forward part of the front post 30b of the handle 30 in a conventional manner so that when the iron is placed on its heel rest, the opening 42 will be at the uppermost portion of the iron and water can readily be poured through the opening into the chamber 32 and, hence, into reservoir 21. This opening 42 is also the openingthrough which the spray is ejected when the iron is operated as a spray iron, and, of course, it is also the opening through which the reservoir 21 is emptied. Preferably the opening 42 is defined by a collar or flange member 43 suitably secured to walls defining the opening, as best shown in FIGS. l and 3 of the drawings.

The handle 30 is secured to the remainder of the pressing iron 10 in substantially the same manner as is described in the above-mentioned Jepson et al. patent. The front of the handle is secured by a generally U- shaped clamp 44 (FIG. 3), the legs of which terminate in outwardly directed hook portions engageable with an an* nular deformation 21a of reservoir 21 surrounding the opening 40. The bight portion 44a of the U-shaped clamp 44 is provided with openings through which the needle valve element 23 and the plunger portion of the pump 39 may extend, and also with suitable `openings for fastening means 45, which extend through cooperating openings defined in the shelf 301. The legs of the clamp 44 are resilient and are usually spread apart more than the diameter of the opening 40, whereupon the resilience of the legs will cause them to spread apart to the maximum extent permitted by this opening with the result that the hook portions engage the annular deformation 21a surrounding the opening 40. When the fastening means 45 are applied, it will be apparent that the front part of the handle 30 is securedto the bight of the clamp 44 and this compresses the sealing gasket 41 and makes a liquid tight seal at the junction of the handle 30, the reservoir 21 and the shell 2S.

Preferably, and as disclosed in the above-mentioned Jepson et al. patent, the cam follower 34 associated with the temperature control rod 33 is actuated by a rotatable cam 49 pivotally supported on the Shelf 30j. This cam 49 is rotatably supported on the shelf 30f by a cam retainer 50 which is held in place by the same fastening means 45 described above. The cam retainer is, of course, provided with suitable openings through which the control means, such as the needle valve member 23 and the plunger portion of the -pump 39 extend.

As in the above-mentioned Jepson and Vieceli application, Serial No. 203,500, referred to above, there is provided what might be termed a housing portion 54 which encloses the shelf 30]c and defines a chamber 55 `at the upper forward part of the handle 30. The enclosure 54 tends to provide a more pleasing appearance at the front of the handle and to hide some of the control members disposed in chamber 55. In order to secure the enclosure 54 to the handle 30, means which may be identical with those employed in the above-mentioned Jepson et al. patent, including a fastening means 56, are provided. The housing member or enclosure 54 is provided with a somewhat circular forwardly projecting flange portion 54a upon which suitable indicia, such as best shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings, may be placed indicating the various temperature settings of the cam 49, which latter is preferably provided with a manually actuatable extension 49a (FIG. l) to which is secured a suitable control knob 57 (FIGS. 1 and 2). The above referred to indicia may include information with respect to temperature settings for some of the synthetic fabrics and may be in code form related to other indicia on the iron, such as on the skirt portion 30a of handle 30.

For the purpose of controlling the open or closed position of the needle valve mem'ber 23, there is pivotally supported within the chamber 55 defined by the housing portion 54 a suitable toggle member or lever 53 which may be similar to that disclosed in the copending Jepson and Vieceli application, Serial No. 203,500, referred to above. Preferably the member 58 includes a manually engageable portion 58a extending outside housing portion 54 disposed in a recess 59 in housing portion 54. The member 58 is pivotally mounted about an axis generally indicated at 60. A suitable compression spring 61 is provided having one end disposed in a recess 62 defined in the housing portion 54 and with the other end engaging with a projection 53h of the member 58. The member 58 is provided with a forked projection 58C to receive a necked down portion 23a of the needle valve member 23, whereby pivotal movement of the member 58 about axis 60 will cause reciprocal movement of the needle valve element 23. Toggle spring 61 thus acts as an over-center spring and holds the member 58 with portion 58a in the recess 59 (closed position of needle valve member 23) as shown in the drawings, or in the other position where needle valve member 23 is raised (open position of the needle valve -member 23). The housing portion 54 is preferably provided with suitable indicia 63 (FIG. 2)

indicating the position of portion 58a when the iron is operated as a dry iron. Also, the indicia on circular flange 54a may include the word Steam to indicate the position of portion 58a when the iron is operated as a steam iron.

Suitable sealing means are preferably provided for the openings 36 and 37 in the shelf 30;c in order to prevent water from passing through these openings during the filling operation of the reservoir 21.

The operation of the steam and dry iron described thus far will be substantially identical in every respect to that disclosed in the above-mentioned Jepson et al. patent, or the copending Jepson and Vieceli application, Serial No. 203,500, referred to above, and no further description is, therefore, included with respect to this operation.

In order that the pressing iron 10 may be used as a spray iron as well as a steam or a dry iron, there is provided a spray apparatus, best shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the drawings, which comprises the pump 39 already mentioned above, a spray nozzle 65, and a water conduit 6 interconnecting the pump 39 and the spray nozzle 65.

In accordance with the present invention the pump 39 is a unitary piston-operated pump which can be replaced as a unit with ease. As best shown in FIGS 3, 4 and 5 of the drawings, the pump 39 -comprises a cylinder 70 within which is mounted a plunger assembly, generally designated `at 71. Plunger assembly 71 comprises a pump rod 72, a washer 73, a plunger 74 and a retaining spring 75. In a device built in accordance with the present invention, the pump housing 70 was made of brass, the washer 73 of stainless steel, and the plunger 74 of a polytetrafluoroethylene plastic, such as may Ibe purchased on the market under the trademark Teflon. The spring retainer 75 is preferably formed of stainless steel and is provided with spring lingers 75a surrounding a central opening, which lingers, when assembled to the lower end of pump rod 72, will engage and grip the same to hold the parts in assembled relationship with the plunger 74 clamped against the stainless steel washer 73.

Connected to the upper end of the cylinder 70 and enclosing the pump rod 72 .is a tubular housing ,77, which extends out of the water reservoir 21 and into the charnber 32. This housing 77 includes an upper .portion 77a of reduced cross-section dening a shoulder 78 between the two sections of different cross-section. Moreover,

the upper portion of reduced cross-section is adaptedto closed by suitable ball-type check valve 81.` The. pump= inlet 70a is adapted to be. disposed in a suitable recess 82 (FIG. 3) dened in the bottomof reservoir 21 and to preventV foreign matter from entering the passageway 80 a suitable screen 83 preferably Vsurrounds theinlet 70a.

For therpurpose of releasably retaining the pump 39 with its inlet extension 70a' surrounded bythe screen 83 disposed in the `well 82, there is provided. a compression spring 84 (FIG. .3), whichis interposed between rthe shoulder 78 and the underside of the bightofthe clamp 44, thus releasably holding .the pump in the position shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings. The upper endof the pumprod 72 .is secured to a spray button 85 which isv reciprocally movable in an opening 86 defined in the housing=member 54. To bias the plunger assembly 71 to the upper position shown in FIGS. 3 and.4 of the which surrounds the portion of the pump rod 72above the shelf 301, the lower end .of the spring-engaging the upper sideof the vretainer `50 and the `upper end of they spring engaging a suitable collar 88 secured to the pump rod 72.

As best shown in FIG. 2 of thefdrawings, the top` of v the spray button 85 preferablyincludes suitableindicia such as the word SPRAY, indicating that if it is depressed one` will` obtain a spray. ItWillalso be appreciated that the-spring 87 moves the plunger 74 to the position shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings which results'in water; fromthe reservoir 21 entering the inlet passageway j80 and` filling the chamber 89 in'cylinder 70"beneath thef;

plunger 74. i Upon depression of the button 85, `theresultant `downward movement `of the plunger assembly71 results in forcing the liquid which has entered chamber` 89 out through an outlet passageway 90` which .is connected by the conduit 66 with the spray nozzle 65. In

a device built in accordance with the present invention,

' least the portion of'c'hamber 98 surrounding-.the periphery depressionof the spray button 85 results in a water presi produced directly by the pump 39 from water containedV in reservoir 21.

In order to develop a spray which will not cause spot-` ting of delicate fabrics, there is provided, in accordance with the presentinvention, an arrangement whichlcauses a rotating spray of` very iine particles of water Ywhen such spray is desired. To accomplish .thisthe spray nozzle (FIGS. 4 and 6) includes a spray nozzle body 92.

which is suitably supported from an angular mounting bracket 93. This mounting bracket 93 is provided with an opening `94 ltherein through which the needle Valve member 23 extends (FIGS. 3 and 4) and is provided with" a pair of tapped openings for the mounting screws 45,2

whereby the mounting bracket 94 is effectively secured to the shelf 30f and the bight portion 44a of the clampfor bracket 44 in the position clearly indicated in FIG. 3 of the drawings. The mounting bracket 94 preferably includes anopening `96 for receiving a projection ofi the spray nozzle body 92 iwhich is peened over as indicated aty 92a to secure thesame to themounting bracket 93.. It will be appreciated. that the mounting bracket 93` is iso shaped to support the spray nozzle 65within the charnl ber 32V adjacent the opening 42rso that a spraytis directed f.. from the nozzlev outlet closely adjacent the front of, the` sole plate 11 of the pressing iron 10i The water conduit 66 is connected to the spray nozzle body 92=,fwhich latter is provided with a lateral inlet passageway, 97 leading to a longitudinal inletpassageway 98opening into a hollowed l out` portion 'of` the .spray nozzle body 92 .which defines i part of ra nozzlechamber 98.l The nozzle 65 further includes-Ya vfront spray nozzle 99 which is a cup-shaped member having a nozzle opening. lin the -closed end l thereof l and ywhich is ladapted to threadedly engage,l as

indicated .at 101, the spray` nozzle .fbodyi 92.;` The. nozzle chamber 98,l asbest shown. in `FIGi..6, is'deiined by both members 92 and 99: Preferably,the front spray nozzle gaged by a suitable`tool for assembly withspray nozzle body 92.

For the purpose ofv producing a rotary spray, there isi mounted within the nozzle chamber 98 a spray plug 102,1. .best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 of the drawings. The spray plug 102,1 which has ahexagonal periphery, 'is adaptedv to have an endfsurface thereof engage the inside of the closedend ioftheV front spray nozzle :99 having the ori-Z` rice 100 therein; Moreover, the, .orifice `100 is providedV 30V drawings, there is provided a compression spring 87 at the inlet end with a widely; diverging `conical counter.- bore'100a. The spray plug has a central conical .projection 102g which partially extends'into the counterbore 10011', as.clearlyrshowninrFIG. 6 of the.'V drawings. In order .to produce ya rotary spray. of liquid particles, the rspray plug-102 is provided vin the face `having conical projectionr102a with a circular passageway103 defining-y the base of this conical projection. Circular passageway 103 is connected withitangential passageways 104 illusf trated a`s being spaced approximately one hundred twentyv 'degrees apart, each leading to a different one of the faces defningthe hexagonal `periphery of spray plug 102.1 At

of spray plug102is circular tozdeine vpassageways between this portion and ther flats; on the .periphery of thev `spray plug.y It lwill beobviousfrom ther above description that water under pressure willfenter the passageways 104 v at the yperiphery,ofspray plug ,1021"andthis ywill result in high speed rotation around'the passagewayfn103 and has a hexagonal exterior portion 99a which may be env along the conical surface of extension 102`a', whereby a rotary spray of tine liquid particles-will .be emittedfrom theorific'e. 100.1v

For thefpurpose tof maintaining the spray plug 102 lin the position indicated in FIGS.4 and .6 of the drawings,

there is provideda compression spring 105 which has one end receiving Ia, projection 10217,. vof the spray plug.- 102,1

whereas the other end .thereof engages a similar projection 106a of ka rubber ball valve 106,: the compression spring 105 thus biasing the rubber ball valve v106 against a conical borev v107 leading vto ylongitudinalwater inlet passagewayl 98.;V When the .pump 39 is actuated, wa-terv under pressure .entering passageway .98 :flows .around the ballvalve .106 along the yperiphery of the nozzle chamber 98 and. enters the. passageways 104along=` thev flats provided by the hexagonal construction of :the .spray plug 102..with .the .resultant rotarymotion i. thereof and the emission `of arotaryspray of very ne particles due to the high pressure.;

Inl order to provide aseal between the spray nozzle" body 92 and the front spray nozzle 99,1there isprovided a suitable gasket'108 preferablyformed .of nylon or the like which. is illustrated asv havinga depending portion 108a having a suitable opening,110. through which the conduit 66 extends. The vextension`108tz is;V disposed .in front of theconduit 66 and, hence,.,presents a morey pleasing appearance atthe opening 42. By virtue ofthe extension 108a it is unnecessary to plate or otherwise treat the exterior of conduit 66 since it is not visible to the user of pressing iron 10.

In view of the detailed description included above, the operation of the spray iron of the present invention will readily be understood by those skilled in the art. When it is desired to produce a spray at the front of the iron, the operator merely depresses the spray button 85 whereupon water under a pressure of as high as one hundred sixty pounds per square inch enters the nozzle chamber 98 and is caused to rotate by the spray plug 102. This water is emitted from the orifice 100 in a very fine spray devoid of water droplets which could injure some of the fabrics which are ironed by the pressing iron of the present invention.

While there has been illustrated and described but a single embodiment of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous changes and modifications will occur, and it is intended in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A steam and spray iron comprising a sole plate, electric heating means for heating said sole plate, a steam generator in heat exchange relationship with said heating means, a reservoir overlying said sole plate, means for selectively supplying water from said reservoir t-o said steam generator, a spray nozzle mounted on said iron above said reservoir, a pump having a water inlet portion thereof disposed in said reservoir, conduit means interconnecting said pump and said spray nozzle, a handle for said iron, a U-shaped clamp for securing the forward portion of said handle to said reservoir, and means connected between said pump and the bight portion of said U-shaped clamp for holding the pump in a predetermined position relative to said reservoir.

2. The steam and spray iron of claim 1 wherein said holding means comprises spring means interposed between said bight portion and said pump resiliently to bias the water inlet portion of said pump toward the bottom of said reservoir.

3. A spray type pressing iron comprising a sole plate, electric heating means for heating said sole plate, a water reservoir overlying said sole plate including a constantly open filling aperture therein, a handle for said iron including a hollow post portion defining a handle chamber, securing means for securing said sole plate, said handle and said reservoir together as a unitary assembly, means defining a water filling opening in said post portion whereby water poured into said opening passes through said chamber and into saidK reservoir through said aperture, a spray nozzle mounted within said chamber with the discharge portion thereof directed toward said opening, pump means at least partially disposed in said reservoir, a conduit partially disposed in said chamber interconnecting said pump means and said spray nozzle, said spray -nozzle comprising a cup-shaped nozzle body and a cup-shaped front spray nozzle threadably united to define a cylindrical nozzle chamber having a discharge orifice in the end wall of said front spray nozzle, gasket means interposed between said nozzle body and fro-nt spray nozzle to seal said nozzle chamber, said orifice on the chamber end thereof terminating in a conical enlargement, a water inlet for said chamber in said nozzle body, means for supplying water under pressure to said chamber, a spray plug in said chamber having a conical projection extending into said conical enlargement, a circular passageway in the face of said spray plug surrounding said projection, and passageway means in said spray plug interconnecting said circular passageway and said chamber whereby fiuid under pressure supplied to said chamber is caused to move around said passageway land swirl through said orifice thereby breaking up the Water discharged through said orifice into very fine particles, said gasket means for said spray nozzle having an extension disposed in front of said conduit whereby said conduit is not visible through said opening.

4. A spray type pressing iron comprising a sole plate, electric heating means for heating said sole plate, a water reservoir overlying said sole plate including a constantly open filling aperture therein, a handle for said iron including a hollow post portion defining a handle chamber, securing means for securing said sole plate, said handle and said reservoir together as a unitary assembly, means defining a water filling opening in said post portion whereby water poured into said lopening passes through said chamber and into said reservoir through said aperture, a mounting bracket connected to said handle within said chamber, a spray nozzle mounted on said bracket entirely within said chamber with the discharge portion thereof directed outwardly toward said opening, pump means at least partially disposed in said reservoir, a conduit partially disposed in said chamber interconnecting said pump means and said spray nozzle, gasket means supported on said spray nozzle having an extension disposed in front of said conduit whereby said conduit is not visible through said opening, said pump means including a portion extending through said aperture and into said chamber, and means -included in said securing means for holding lsaid pump means in said reservoir and chamber.

5. A spray nozzle for use with a spray iron comprising a cup-shaped nozzle body and a cup-shaped front spray nozzle removably interconnected to define a cylindrical nozzle chamber therein having a discharge orifice in the end wall of said front spray nozzle, said orifice on its inner end terminating in a conical enlargement, a Water inlet for said chamber in said nozzle body, inlet means for supplying water under pressure to said chamber, a spray plug in said chamber having a conical projection extending into said conical enlargement, a circular passageway in the face of said spray plug surrounding said projection, passageway means in said spray plug interconnecting said circular passageway and said chamber whereby fiuid under pressure supplied to said chamber is caused to move around said passageway and swirl through said orifice thereby breaking up the Water discharged through said orifice into very fine particles, a valve member for said inlet means, and a compression spring interposed between said spray plug and said valve means biasing said spray plug against said end wall and said valve member to close said inlet means.

6. A spray nozzle for use with a spray iron comprising means dening a nozzle chamber having a discharge orifice in one wall of said chamber, said orifice on the chamber end thereof terminating in a conical enlargement, a water inlet for said chamber, a valve member for said inlet, means for supplying water under pressure to said chamber, a spray plug in said chamber having a conical projection extending into said conical enlargement, a circular passageway in the face of said spray plug surrounding said projection, passageway means in said spray plug interconnecting said circular passageway and said chamber whereby fiuid under pressure supplied to said chamber is caused to move around said passageway and pass through said orifice while rotating at high speed, and a spring in said chamber biasing said spray plug toward said orifice and said valve member to close said inlet.

'7. A- spray nozzle for use with a spray iron comprising means defining a cylindrical nozzle chamber having a discharge orifice in one wall of said chamber, said orifice on the chamber end thereof terminating in a conical enlargement, a water inlet for said chamber, means for supplying water under pressure to said chamber, a spray plug in said chamber having a conical projection extending into said conical enlargement, a circular passageway in the face of said spray plug surroundings said projection, and passageway means in said spray plug interconnecting i l said circular passageway and said chamber whereby fluid under pressure supplied to said chamber is caused to move around said passageway and pass through said orifice while rotating at high speed, said spray plug having a periphery provided with at surfaces defining passageways included in said passageway means.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,906,043 3,025,005 f 3,038,269 i 5 3,098,610 f 3,102,455y r 3,129,523V 1 L?. A Fleming et a1. 92-155 Jepson -et al. 38-77 Daiforn :et al. Z39- 571 X'. Knapp) 38-77.0 Stram 1239-571` X' Breitanstein; 92''-155 Taylor 38-78 JORDAN FRANKLIN, Primary Examiner. lo P. D; KYLAWSON,'Assistan Examiner. 

1. A STEAM AND SPRAY IRON COMPRISING A SOLE PLATE, ELECTRICAL HEATING MEANS FOR HEATING SAID SOLE PLATE, A STEAM GENERATOR IN HEAT EXCHANGE REALATIONSHIP WITH SAID HEATING MEANS, A RESERVOIR OVERLYING SAID SOLE PLATE, MEANS FOR SELECTIVELY SUPPLYING WATER FROM SAID RESERVOIR TO SAID STEAM GENERTOR, A SPRAY NOZZLE MOUNTED ON SAID IRON ABOVE SAID RESERVOIR, A PUMP HAVING A WATER INLET PORTION THEREOF DISPOSED IN SAID RESERVOIR, CONDUIT MEANS INTERCONNECTING SAID PUMP AND SAID SPRAY NOZZLE, A HANDLE FOR SAID IRON, A U-SHAPED CLAMP FOR SECURING THE FORWARD PORTION OF SAID HANDLE TO SAID RESERVOIR, AND MEANS CONNECTED BETWEEN SAID PUMP AND THE BIGHT PORTION OF SAID U-SHAPED CLAMP FOR HOLDING THE PUMP IN A PREDETERMINED POSITION RELATIVE TO SAID RESERVOIR. 